The death of comic Nollywood actor John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly called Mr Ibu, has continued to raise concerns from well-meaning Nigerians.
Mr Ibu died on Saturday after a protracted illness.
The actor succumbed to diabetes and an infection of the artery, which eventually led to the amputation of his leg.
The actor’s ill health was brought to light when his family made a public outcry demanding financial assistance for his treatment.
A call that attracted the likes of former Nigerian Senate President Bukola Saraki, whose foundation cleared the medical bill of the ailing actor.
However, before his death, his family was embroiled in several controversies, ranging from his adopted daughter Jasmine Okekeagwu allegedly stealing money meant for his treatment, to the actor’s wife demanding an iPhone 15 from the funds donated by Nigerians for his treatment.
All the events surrounding the actor’s death have attracted diverse reactions from Nigerians.
Reacting to his death, a social media influencer, Shadaya Knight, stated that the comic actor died alone and miserably.
While advising men to choose their spouses carefully, he compared Mr Ibu’s situation to that of veteran actor Olu Jacobs.
Shadaya noted that while Mr. Ibu died “alone and miserable,” allegedly without the love of his wife, Jacobs, though battling dementia, has always had his wife, Joke Jacobs, by his side.
Shadaya wrote, “The case of how legendary Nollywood comedian John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, died all alone should be a reminder to every man to choose his wife wisely.
“Mr Ibu went through it all with the women in his life; his first wife divorced him and took all his savings. He started from scratch again and married his second wife, but unfortunately got diabetes, and his career stopped.
“Second wife blew his money; he had to resort to begging from fans for his medical bills. That time, his second wife demanded an iPhone 15 from that charity money. It gets worse; his stepdaughter blew the charity money. He died all alone and miserable.
“Meanwhile another legendary Nollywood icon, Olu Jacobs, got diagnosed with dementia. Guess what his wife has been with him, personifying the vows “in sickness and in health.” He will not die a miserable death; by his side will be a loyal, caring wife.
“Once again, when it comes to picking a woman to spend the rest of your life with, look beyond looks, sexual appeal, sophistication, education, etc. Look for traits that matter: femininity, loyalty, humility, empathy, and compassion.
“Learn or perish.”
